Kangal dog, a purebred dog with large, powerful body and heavy bones, is typically used as a flock guardian, actively protecting flocks of sheep from predators like bears, jackals, and wolves. Distinguished by moderately large wide heads, drop ears, black masks, black velvety ears, and a curled tail, kangal dogs have slightly longer body than its height with a front leg that measures over one-half of the height.
Nicknames | Karabash |
Coat | Moderately short, dense double coat with harsh outer coat and very soft, dense undercoat |
Color | Solid colors ranging from steel gray, light dun to pale dull gold with white markings on chin, chest, and feet |
Group of Breed | Flock Guardian |
Life span | 12-15 years |
Weight | Male 50-66 kg (110-145 lb); Female 41-59 kg (90-130 lb) |
Size and Height | Male 29-32 inches (74-81 cm); Female 28-31 inches (71-79 cm) |
Shedding | Heavy, Seasonal |
Temperament | Protective, Independent, Sensitive, Self-controlled, Calm, Alert |
Good with Children | Yes |
Size of Litter | 5-10 puppies |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Barking | Yes when responding to threats |
Country Originated in | Kangal, Sivas Province, Turkey |
Competitive Registration | DRA, ACR, NKC, CKC, UKC, APRI, KDCA |
Kangal dogs are distinct from the basic Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and Akbash. In Turkey, it is believed that it is connected to the early mastiff-types portrayed in Assyrian art. They have been traditionally used by the large chieftains and landholders in Turkey for their outstanding guarding abilities. Introduced in Britain by Charmian Biernoff in 1965, the Kangals gave birth to their first litter in 1967. The Turkish Kangal dog was first imported to USA in 1985 by two Americans Judith and David Nelson, providing the basis for Kangals in the US.
Being a guardian dog breed, Kangal dogs are defensive of the human family or the domestic animals to which they bond. Despite having a natural aloofness towards strangers, appropriate training makes them sociable. Their alertness urges them respond to dangers with warnings and actions.
Although the dog does not require an extensive caring regimen, inexperienced dog owners would find it difficult to pet them due to their independent intelligence. Being suitable for houses with large yards having good fencing, they do not like inactive apartment life.
Instead of training them harshly, use soft treatments and food rewards, showing true emotions like friendly pats or praises. The puppies should only be patted or fed by his caretaker or owner and but not strangers to prevent them from becoming subservient.
The dog kangal should be provided with a low protein dry food. A barley meal produced from boiled or hulled barley is routinely given to these dogs in Turkey.
Points of Difference | Kangal Dog | Wolf |
Common Names | Karabash | Gray wolf, Timber wolf, Western wolf, Red wolf |
Coat | Moderately short, dense double coat with harsh outer coat and very soft, dense undercoat | Dense, fluffy winter fur; short underfur with coarse guard hairs |
Color | Solid colors like steel gray, light dun, pale dull gold with white markings on chin, chest, and feet | Predominantly mottled gray; black, brown, red, and pure white are also possible |
Higher classification | Dog | Canis |
Height | Male 29-32 inches (74-81 cm); Female 28-31 inches (71-79 cm) | 31.5-33.5 inches (80-85 cm) |
Weight | Male 50-66 kg (110-145 lb); Female 41-59 kg (90-130 lb) | Male about 50 kg (110 lb); Female about 40 kg (88 lb) |
Size of Litter | 5-10 puppies | 5-6 puppies |
Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 6-8 years on average |
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